WASHINGTON – The US Congress´ response to Israeli Ambassador Michael
Oren´s article was instantaneous. After Oren published an opinion
piece discussing the growing need to invest in 10 more Iron Dome
batteries, two House Representatives introduced legislation Wednesday
that would allow the Obama administration to give more missile
defense systems to Israel.

The proposed bill does not include specific figures, but it
recognizes the operational success of Iron Dome, and its strategic
significance in anti-missile defense. It also secures the budgeting
of 10 more Iron Dome batteries, regardless of expected cut in
security funding. The cost of one Iron Dome battery is $50 millions,
not including the costs of the missiles and infrastructure.

“Israel must have the ability to defend itself from rocket and
missile attacks, and the United States will continue to stand by our
strong ally if called upon in times of need,” Rep. Berman (D) said.

Berman, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has
pushed a number of pro-Israeli measures, including previous
legislation in 2010 that supported Obama´s plan to allocate $205
million in additional aid to develop the Iron Dome system.

In the article published in "Politico", Ambassador Oren wrote: "an
additional 10 batteries, at least, will be necessary to protect the
entire country."